Despite its massive size, the number of master’s in psychology degrees in Alaska is limited to just two programs. Even so, these programs offer regional accreditation and strong academics. Students enjoy smaller class sizes and individual attention from professors, who guide them through coursework, research, and even occasional teaching experiences as a graduate assistant at two of Alaska’s most appealing universities. Students who have completed their undergraduate coursework in psychology and satisfied each program’s prerequisites will find a rigorous, rewarding experience awaiting them at both universities.

Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage

School of Psychology and Human Services

Founded in 1957, Alaska Pacific University is a private institution that has long emphasized the importance of “active learning. The Active Learning Program is primarily targeted to undergraduates, though its philosophy also informs hands-on learning experiences for graduate psychology students in the form of on-campus research and off-campus work experiences. Alaska Pacific is the only school in the state that enjoys membership in the Eco League, a small and national group of colleges that focus intensely on psychology programs and environmentally friendly initiatives. This gives the school’s curriculum a unique focus that will benefit students as they put their master’s degree to work.

Counseling Psychology M.S.

Alaska Pacific University’s counseling program is one of the most selective graduate programs in the state, and equips students with the skills they need to work in a variety of counseling-related fields after graduation. In addition to the general counseling curriculum, students can opt for elective and specialized courses that will prepare them for licensure and professional practice in both mental health and substance abuse counseling positions.

The curriculum features single, four-credit courses in a wide variety of topics. These include professional responsibility and ethics, advanced abnormal psychology, advanced human development, group counseling, family and couples therapy, career counseling, and a seminar in current counseling issues. The program requires that all students pursue a yearlong internship prior to graduation, which must be arranged by APU’s advisors. Research and a master’s thesis must also be completed and presented in order to be eligible for graduation with the M.S. degree.

University of Alaska Anchorage

Psychology Department

With four campuses throughout southwestern Alaska, the University of Alaska Anchorage is ranked as one of the state’s best and most affordable public institutions. At the graduate level, students are given the opportunity to work on scholarly research alongside one of the school’s professors on a number of major issues. Research labs are located on the university’s main campus and are an essential part of the graduate experience. Students will also work alongside undergraduate students as graduate teaching assistants, giving them insight into the academic side of the profession as they consider moving into doctoral work.

Masters in Clinical Psychology

Students in this degree program will learn a blend of clinical and contemporary psychology subjects, which the school touts as the ideal blend for professionals who will practice under general supervision or pursue a doctoral degree in the psychology field. UAA requires a two-semester practicum experience and one internship; students will receive graduate elective credit for these experiences. The program also requires choosing between two available concentrations in either applied research or clinical practice.

All students must take an extensive slate of advanced and clinical psychology classes, covering topics like advanced psychological research, professional and clinical ethics, community and substance abuse intervention, group therapy, family therapy, multicultural pathology, and advanced human development. The university requires extensive research during the master’s program, which must be prepared in a thesis and presented to a faculty panel prior to graduation. Upon panel approval of the thesis presentation, students will be eligible for graduation with the M.S. in Clinical Psychology.

Two Great Programs for Graduate Students in Psychology

Whether it’s the attentiveness of small, private institution, or the benefits of a public research university, Alaska has what psychology students are looking for. The state’s graduate-level psychology programs offer affordable tuition rates, small class sizes, and the ability to make a difference in the community via research and teaching opportunities. For this reason, the two master’s in psychology degrees in Alaska represent a strong choice for those students looking to advance their education in this growing field.